彼岸花语：道的追随者

However, I admit that I worship the God of our fathers as a follower of the Way, which they call a sect. I believe everything that agrees with the Law and that is written in the Prophets, and I have the same hope in God as these men, that there will be a resurrection of both the righteous and the wicked.

When Apostle Paul was accused by the Jewish high priest and elders of stirring up trouble in the world, he readily admitted that he worshiped the same God that their forefathers worshiped, that he had not deviated from the Law and Prophets. However he qualified his confession with an identity of a follower of the Way, thus acknowledging he was a disciple of Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (Jn 14:6)

Jesus always told the truth about Himself, therefore His claim of exclusive access to God and salvation must be valid. Apostle Peter, who had personally witnessed Jesus' divine power, gave his testimony of this truth to the Jewish rulers, elders and teachers of the law in Jerusalem, “Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to men by which we must be saved.” (Ac 4:12)

If Jesus' claim of exclusivity is valid, then we must come after Him. Jesus declared, “If anyone would come after me, he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mt 16:24) To be a follower of the Way is to lead a self-sacrificial life, following Christ's example.

A life of faith is a progressive one. A believer can become increasingly mature in his walk with Christ by modeling after other spiritually mature followers of Christ. For this reason Paul urged the Corinthian believers to imitate him (1 Co 4:6). The author of the New Testament book of Hebrews encouraged his readers “to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.” (Heb 6:12) As we imitate other more spiritually mature believers we should in turn help people come to Christ and mature in the Lord by being good models for them.

“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith.” (Heb 13:7) We are at the same time both leaders to some and followers of others. As followers of Christ we don't have a choice in this because it is God's calling to us to be both.

Os Guinness said in his book, The Call, “Arguments against choice need to recognize the special, godlike power of choice. But ultimately only one thing can conquer choice—being chosen. Thus, for followers of Christ, calling neutralizes the fundamental poison of choice in modern life. 'I have chosen you,' Jesus said, 'you have not chosen me.' We are not our own; we have been bought with a price. We have no rights, only responsibilities. Following Christ is not our initiative, merely our response, in obedience. Nothing works better to debunk the pretensions of choice than a conviction of calling. Once we have been called, we literally 'have no choice.'” (p.177)

As followers of the Way, we must admit it and not be ashamed of it. Jesus said, “Whoever acknowledges me before men, I will also acknowledge him before my Father in heaven.” (Mt 10:32) Paul said that he was not ashamed of the gospel (Ro 1:16) and he told Timothy not to be “ashamed to testify about our Lord” (2 Ti 1:8).

Paul said that he agreed with Moses' Law and the writing of the Prophets, that is, our Old Testament of the Bible which was the only Scriptures existed at that time. We must also follow the Biblical principles and commandments in our life, for Jesus said, “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Mt 5:17)

How can we apply the Biblical teaching in our life, especially in the face of persecution and opposition? Prophet Isaiah had this advice: “Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them. Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you, saying, 'This is the way; walk in it.'” (Isa 30:20-21) We just have to pay attention to God's gentle whisper from the noise (1 Kg 19:12) and to heed His word.

We cannot live as though this life on earth is all that is. If it is so, where is justice? As psalmist Asaph said, “For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked. They have no struggles; their bodies are healthy and strong. They are free from the burdens common to man; they are not plagued by human ills. ... This is what the wicked are like—always carefree, they increase in wealth.” (Ps 73:3-5, 12) In this case justice would only be served at their final destiny. (Ps 73:17-19) That is why it is important that there is the hope of resurrection for all. Jesus said, “Do not be amazed at this, for a time is coming when all who are in their graves will hear his voice and come out—those who have done good will rise to live, and those who have done evil will rise to be condemned.” (Jn 5:28-29) “For the Son of Man is going to come in his Father's glory with his angels, and then he will reward each person according to what he had done.” (Mt 16:27)

Jesus said, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies; and whoever lives and believes in me will never die.” (Jn 11:25-26) As believers our hope is rooted in the faithfulness and trustworthiness of God. Christ's resurrection serves as evidence and guarantee of our resurrection. Paul said, “But Christ has indeed been raised from the dead, the firstfruits of those who have fallen asleep.” (1Co 15:20)

While we wait for the day of final justice, let us live in the joy and peace afforded by this hope as followers of Jesus the Way. “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Ro 15:13)